Iraqi Army Begins to 'Chip Away' Territory Near Fallujah – Pentagon

The Iraqi Security Forces have practically encircled the Daesh-occupied city of Fallujah, Operations Inherent Resolve spokesperson Col. Steve Warren said.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Iraqi military has practically surrounded the city of Fallujah, occupied by Daesh, and has started to gain territory, Operations Inherent Resolve spokesperson Col. Steve Warren said during a press briefing on Friday.

"We have seen the Iraqi Security Forces begin to chip away at Fallujah," Warren stated. "Fallujah is now generally surrounded by Iraqi Security Forces."

The spokesperson noted that the Iraqi military is pressuring Fallujah, but has not made a major move into the city yet.

Fallujah, located some 42 miles west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, is one of the largest cities in the Anbar province. Daesh has been in control of the city since 2013.

Daesh is a group outlawed in Russia and the United States, which occupies vast territories in Iraq and neighboring Syria.